From October 22 to 25, 2024, 94 fourth-year tourism students from classes 4TOM4 and 4TOM5 conducted a site visit and a Usage, Attitude, and Image (UAI) survey in Bataan as part of their course requirements.

On December 10, 2024, the results of this IMC Campaign will be presented under the theme “Cutting Edge Campaigns: A Look Into The New Destination Marketing Strategies.” This presentation will mark the culmination of our student’s hard work and the beginning of a strengthened partnership with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Santo Tomas College of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataan. This initiative is one of the projects of the UST Sentro Turismo. Additionally, a group of students from class 3TOM2 taking the Travel Agency Management and Operations course facilitated the fieldwork and data-gathering travel arrangements.

This activity aims to continuously improve teaching ways to equip the students in tourism marketing and gain practical skills in destination research and analysis, planning and strategy development, exposure to current trends, and a deeper understanding of tourism marketing as a discipline and the needed expertise to make a career in the said field.

The post Tourism mngt students, Sentro Turismo craft integrated marketing communication campaign for Bataan province appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Called “i-25: The i-Witness Talks,” the seasoned documentarists Howie Severino, Kara David, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, and John Consulta shared their experiences as journalists as well as lessons they learned during some of their most memorable documentaries.

i-Witness first premiered in 1999 and featured some of the finest journalists in Philippine media such as Jessica Soho, Vicky Morales, Cheche Lazaro, Luchi-Cruz Valdes, and the late Mike Enriquez. The long-running series has been a staple in educational settings and well-known not just in FIlipino households, but abroad. The program has earned awards and accolades including two George Foster Peabody Awards, multiple New York Festivals world medals, Asian TV Awards, Asia-Pacific Child Rights Awards, and finalist status at the Emmy Awards, and many more.

UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, in his welcome remarks, commended I-Witness’ contributions to the educational landscape and the discourse around societal issues, saying “Let us acknowledge the courage it takes to bring important issues to the forefront, the dedication to uncover stories, and the commitment to make a difference.”

Atom Araullo was the first journalist to talk. In his seven years with I-Witness, he currently has over 50 documentaries that aired, which broadened his experiences as they sometimes involved a range of circumstances, from danger and hunger, to thrills and fulfillment.

“Experience is more precious than gold. Experience becomes stories, and stories are very powerful,” shared Araullo, who won the ‘Most Trusted Field Reporter Award’ from the Platinum Stallion Media Awards in 2015, as well as the Student Leaders Choice for TV Personality from the USTv Awards in the same year.

“It is our sacred duty to bear witness to history,” emphasized Araullo, who has shone light on incidents of violence, calamity, tragedy, not just in the country, but also globally, including the plight of the Rohingya people in Myanmar.

Mav Gonzales followed up by sharing lessons she has learned from exploring new stories. Having been a reporter since 2012, she is one of the most recent hosts to join the series as she began her stint in I-Witness in 2023.

“There are so many stories to tell, you just have to find your angle,” advised Gonzales in Filipino. She has done documentaries ranging from the labor of children who collect mud for planting frog grass, to the use of cadavers as silent mentors in the medical education field.

“If possible, make documentaries with concrete impacts in society,” she shared.

Multi-awarded veteran journalist Howie Severino, meanwhile, shared his tale and love for storytelling. Having been active in the journalism field since 1985, the self-confessed ‘analog native’ has led over 200 documentaries and highlighted that to document is to record for history.

““There are a lot of truths in our world that happen without anyone noticing, and documentarists can capture those moments for posterity,” Severino emphasized, adding that documentaries make people think about what is important, gather evidence, create records, make life more interesting and let the journalists telling the tale know more about themselves. They are also curated products that can be avenues for community-building and an educational tool.

“If I really wanted to get to know our country, our people, then I really needed to become a journalist,” shared Severino, who has been to almost every province in the Philippines in the course of his career.

“Journalists are trained to highlight not just what you (viewers) want to know, but what you need to know. It’s an educational tool, and one of the beautiful things about I-Witness is that many of our documentaries are shown in classrooms.”

John Consulta, a journalist who has spent over 10 years in the law enforcement beat, shared his insights on the power of storytelling and how it can be a way to serve. He highlighted his encounter with Bonita Baran, a domestic helper who was being mistreated by her employers.

Justice was served by her abusers being jailed, and a law protecting kasambahays was then passed months after the story aired.

“It’s possible that there are stories around you that you do not notice. All it takes is a little time and attention. Listen. Observe. If you want to be a good storyteller, be a good listener first,” advised Consulta.

Documentaries can serve as bridges to amplify the voices who need to be heard or give platforms to those who need it, to shed light and bring awareness to relevant and timely issues, and bring meaningful change to the lives and communities that they show or affect, shared Consulta.

Consulta also acknowledged the efforts of each team member who supports the documentarists behind the camera, saying, “Our show is named ‘I’-witness, but it’s always been a team effort. We (documentarists) may be in front, but this would not be possible without them. I believe in the meaning of TEAM: Together Efforts Are Multiplied.”

Kara David, a journalist for almost 30 years who also serves as chair of the Department of Journalism at the UP Diliman College of Mass Communication, capped the event with her talk, which emphasized the need to tell stories that are both new and changebringing (bago at nakakapagpabago).

David urged future documentarists to remember that “You are not the story. You are the storyteller. [Documentaries can] be the microphones for those who have not yet been heard, be mirrors of truth, and be bridges for those whom society cannot reach.”

In her travels in pursuit of these stories, she has told the tales of children who have experienced dire circumstances and led harsh lives. This led her to set up her foundation “Project Malasakit,” which funds scholarship projects.

She also cautioned budding journalists to get into the practice of sharing complete stories and to carefully discern their chosen angle.

“Tell stories that uplift the poor, uplift their dignity, not just stories that generate pity. So when we [filmed Ambulansyang de Paa], my team and I were conscious of not just focusing the story on the lack of access to healthcare, services, and medical facilities. We did not just focus on an angle that showed their poverty, but rather highlighted their efforts that, despite this situation, the Mangyan families had community-driven initiatives to mitigate the lack of government support.”

David also shared a lesson she has taken to heart, which she learned from the Mangyan community and their collective approach to community care. “Ang mabigat ay gumagaan kapag marami ang pumapasan (The heavy load is made lighter when many are bearing the weight).”

In its milestone year, I-Witness will air a special documentary series featuring powerful and uncommon stories of community heroism and selfless people on a mission. With their respective teams, the five program hosts Kara David, Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, John Consulta, and Mav Gonzales venture from Mindoro to Sulu to tell various stories that will air on Saturdays, beginning September 14 until October 12, 2024 at 10:15PM.

Storyteller’s Spotlight

An offshoot of the partnership among GMA Network, GMA Public Affairs and the UST Office of Public Affairs for I-Witness’ 25th anniversary was an inaugural activity titled “Storyteller’s Spotlight,” which brings media personalities and journalists of different beats closer to Thomasians who want to become writers.

“We invite you to immerse yourselves in this exploration of storytelling’s enduring legacy and its vital role in our shared human experience. On behalf of the Father Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., thank you for your continued commitment to the power of storytelling. I hope that all of us Thomasians may say that I believe, I hope, I love, I witness,” said Fr. Coronel, who also congratulated the documentary series on its 25th anniversary.

The first featured guest was Mr. Atom Araullo, who presented practical tips for becoming a responsible journalist based on his extensive experience. After his talk, he answered queries from student participants in a forum moderated by the Assistant to the Director for Publication Ms. Katherine Patrice B. Sibug on August 19, 2024, at the Bl. Frassati Auditorium.

Students from the Senior and Junior High School departments were very eager to converse with the featured speaker as they tackled various topics during the open forum. Questions ranging from how documentaries are made, to the most unforgettable project were graciously answered by Mr. Araullo.

All in all, the first Storyteller’s Spotlight proved to be an effective way to provide students with an opportunity to interact with practitioners—an effective way to bridge the real world to the classroom.

The post GMA’s multi-awarded documentary show I-Witness celebrates 25th anniversary at UST appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D. (fourth from left) and HTCH International Medical Center Director Dr. Chi-Cheng Li (third from left), with witnesses from both institutions, present the signed Memorandum of Understanding.

Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital (HTCH) in Taiwan and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a research partnership on August 14, 2024 at the Rector’s Hall.

Signatories include UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D. and HTCH International Medical Center Director Dr. Chi-Cheng Li. Witnessing this event were officials from the UST Office for International Relations and Programs, the College of Science, and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. This is an offshoot of the “Telomere Clinical Research and Taiwan Medical Humanities Exchange Workshop” that UST joined, which took place at HTCH in October 2023. 

The post HTCH, UST ink MoU for research partnership appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Dones expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of being motivated by a passion to serve others. He dedicated this achievement to God and his family. He highlighted the value of prayer and viewing every action as a form of worship. He encouraged his fellow Thomasians to approach their duties with love, extend gratitude to their supporters, forgive those who have wronged them, and consider every task as an opportunity to honor and thank God.

Throughout his career, Dones has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing physical therapy. He has held various leadership roles, including Professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Supervisor of the Center for Health Research and Movement Science, and CEO of PainFree Management and Consulting, Inc. and PainFree Foundation. His commitment to his profession and excellence in service have earned him several honors, such as the 2023 DOST-PCHRD NCR Best Mentor in Health Research Award (Junior/Early Career Researchers Category), recognition for his contributions to the COVID-19 Living Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Philippines, the 2024 Australia Awards Fellowship, and multiple UST publication awards, including the Gold Series Publication Award (2020-2022) and several Silver Series Publication Awards (2016-2020).

On the same occasion, Architecture alumnus, Ar. Edison Ching M. Padilla was also awarded as the Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Architecture. Ar. Padilla is currently the National President of the Philippines Association of Building Officials. In 2018, he was honored with the ASEAN Architect title by the PRC-International Affairs Division – ASEAN Architects Registry and the Royal Institution of Architects – Singapore conferred him the title of Fellow.

A notable contribution by Ar. Padilla was his development of the country’s first automated building and construction permits application system – the 3S Plus Electronic Terminal. This groundbreaking system revolutionized the permit application process, showcasing his commitment to efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.

The 3S Plus Electronic Terminal system did not only streamline procedures but also earned him notable accolades, including the UAP Plaque of Appreciation in 2014. His innovation set a benchmark for future developments and was instrumental in shaping the online governance and the creation of One Stop Shop for Construction Permits (OSCP) at the Office of the Building Official (OBO)in Valenzuela City.

These recognitions awarded to two outstanding Thomasians truly reflect the values of competence, commitment, and compassion.

The post Dones of CRS, Archi alumnus Padilla named PRC’s 2024 Outstanding Professionals appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The association’s officers took their oath on July 18, 2024 during the Accountancy Week Celebration at the Far Eastern University. NACPAE is the sectoral organization of accounting teachers and academics in the Philippines.

The post UST-AMV Accountancy academic staff, officials named officers of NACPAE appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

Under the Department of Occupational Therapy, eight student interns participated in the Global Initiatives Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) Program of the University of Southern California Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from July 1 to 31.

Onsite participants were Regina Lianne Castro and Noel Remi Pineda while Danielle Josephine Ang, Geordee de Guzman, Frances Therese Ureta, Mariella Sofia Palo, Keiana Louise Lazaro, and Mary Catherine Anne Olegario participated in the same program online.

This program aims to facilitate the development of a more global perspective of occupational therapy, health, and wellness.

Meanwhile, the Department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) contributed to the row of internationalization efforts by initiating a partnership with the Hanen Centre to bring certification and workshops to the Philippines. Several of the academic staff, clinical supervisors,  and alumni from SLP have successfully completed the More Than Words Certification Program from July 22 to 24. 

The Hanen Centre is a charitable organization geared towards helping professionals, parents, caregivers and educators to have the skills to promote the best possible language, social and literacy skills in young children including those that are differently abled. Specifically, the program offered focuses on empowering parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to improve their social communication skills.

Among the academic staff who participated were Mr. Paul William D. Jacinto, MRS-RSLP, Ms. Mary Ann Gisselle O. Esguerra, MHPEd, RSLP, and Mr. Daniel Ymmanual E. Puri, RSLP. UST Communication Sciences Center clinical supervisors Mr. Lord Andre Ardeña, RSLP, Ms. Jana Maitina Ysabelle Batoy, RSLP, and Mr. Ian Francis Peralta, RSLP also joined the workshop.

Lastly, CRS also welcomed Lect. Supatida Sorasak Siangchin, Ms. Hudasamila Da-Oh, and Mr. Peerayut Saardaiam of Mahidol University as they participated in a month-long Global Immersion Program (GIE). 

Lect. Siangchin had an academic encounter with occupational therapy interns where she shared with them her study titled, “Experiences of Thai older adults regarding smartphone usage in daily activities” during their pre-internship activity.

Siangchin, Da-Oh, and Saardaiam also paid a courtesy visit to the UST Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta, DrPH, and UST Office of International Relations and Programs Director Prof. Lilian Sison, Ph.D., during which other possible collaborations were discussed.

These internationalization efforts display the commitment of the college in improving the overall academic experience of both students and academic staff.

The post CRS underscores internationalization with global partnerships appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The student group, together with CTHM academic staff Mr. Wyett White T. Lee and Ms. Katherine Camille Nagal, together with the Hospitality Management Department Chairperson, Dr. Fhamela F. Sarmiento and CTHM Dean, Atty. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, arrived in Hong Kong with their first stop at the Philippine Consulate where they met with Consul General Atty. Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan, a Thomasian alumna, as well as two other CTHM graduates currently employed at the consulate.

As part of the students’ internship experience, they were introduced to Ritz-Carlton’s renowned service culture having the chance to work in different departments and experience management styles from diverse supervisors and managers.

As the biggest delegation of interns leaving the University for international internship since the pandemic, the partnership between CTHM and The Ritz-Carlton is a promising endeavor for future Thomasian Tourism and Hospitality Professionals.

The post CTHM partnership with Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong provides opportunities for international hotel internship appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The course was conducted by Dr. Hiromitsu Shinozaki, Director, and Dr.  Bumsuk Lee, Vice Director of the Gunma University WHO Collaborating Center  for Research and Training on IPE.

Part of the training included a visit to Mihara Memorial Hospital, a specialized  189-bed facility focusing on neurological disorders, particularly stroke and  dementia, with attached geriatric health services. The visit provided insights  into interprofessional and collaborative practices in a real-world healthcare  setting.

Throughout the course, various aspects of Interprofessional Education and  Collaborative Practice (IPECP) were explored, including its necessity and  challenges, program evaluation, development, operation, adaptability, and  future expectations. The training also featured presentations on the Patient  Safety-Focused IPE Training Program at Gunma University, IPE initiatives at  Chiba University, and the Community-Based IPE Program of Sapporo Medical  University.

Each institution shared an overview of the challenges they face in introducing  and enhancing IPE within their respective contexts. Participants engaged in a  simulated interprofessional training workshop based on a case scenario,  highlighting practical application of collaborative skills. On the final day, each institution presented a strategic action plan to advance IPE, informed by the  insights gained during the course.

FMS formulated the following action plans on Interprofessional Education  (IPE): 1. Committee Formation and Program  Development:FMS will establish a Committee on Interprofessional  Education (IPE) responsible for developing a structured, curriculum-aligned IPE  program. This program will integrate all levels of education, focusing on the  clinical clerkship. Furthermore, the IPE program will be incorporated into  simulation-based learning to enhance practical application; 2. Fostering  Collaboration: The plan includes establishing and strengthening  interdepartmental, intercollegiate, and international collaborations, all centered  around fostering mutual respect and collaborative practice; 3. Faculty  Development: The initiative will enhance faculty development in IPE through  targeted seminars and by exploring opportunities for faculty to attend IPE  training courses, such as those offered by Gunma University.

4. Dedicated  Space for IPE: Identify and allocate physical space within the new simulation  center specifically for IPE workshops; 5. Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain  ongoing and assertive communication with key stakeholders, especially leaders,  to address logistical and resource-related challenges, including budget  allocation; 6. Expanding Community-Based Networks: Strengthen and  expand community-based networks, focusing on elderly care, home care, and  maternal and child care; 7. Research and Information Campaigns: Promote  research collaborations on IPE and launch information campaigns designed to  improve patient care, patient safety, and psychological safety through  enhanced interprofessional collaboration; and 8. IPE Program Evaluation: Create a more comprehensive and inclusive evaluation on both macro and micro level (especially on the attitude domain) following the Kirk-Patrick’s model to see  IPE’s overall impact.

The training course was attended by 28 participants from nine academic  institutions across Asia, including Choonhae College of Health Science (Korea),  International Medical University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Malaysia),  Mahidol University and Thammasat University (Thailand), Pham Ngoc Thach  University of Medicine (Vietnam), Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara  (Indonesia), and from the Philippines, UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute.

The post UST FMS joins Interprofessional Education (IPE) Training Course at Gunma University, Japan appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The GS delegation, led by Dean Prof. Michael Anthony C. Vasco, Ph.D., and Regent Rev. Fr. Rodel E. Aligan, O.P., together with Assistant Dean Prof. Camilla J. Vizconde, Ph.D., Prof. Lino N. Baron, Ph.D. (Coordinator for International Relations) and Prof. Augusto Deviana, Ph.D. (Program Lead for History) met with officials of the two universities.

Warmly met by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Poom Moolsilpa, S.J.D., the UST delegation also discussed with the Head of the History Department, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nathaporn Thaijongrak, how the partnership between the two universities can be supported and sustained. The existing Memorandum of Agreement between the universities is in place and previously, a delegation of history faculty members visited and held lectures last March 2024. This visit further strengthened the ties between the two universities with possibilities for transnational education and transnational research for faculty and students. Besides the Department of History, other possible faculty exchange can be implemented in Education with the social studies teachers, in public administration and geography. Furthermore, a visiting lecturer, Dr. Yaninie Phaithawayat, from SWU will again be coming for the first term of AY 2024-2025 to teach Comparative Contemporary Histories of the Philippines and Thailand. This has also been implemented previously in the second term of AY 2023-2024 where a class in Seminar on Comparative Revolution in Southeast Asia with Dr. Deviana was conducted.

In addition to the discussion, the UST team toured around campus, which was originally established as a teacher-training school in 1949 until it was established as Srinakharinwirot University in 1974. As promised, Prof. Deviana also donated to the main library two copies of books, Fifty Years of Philippine Independence Stories from a Half Century and Stories from the Other Side and Other Narratives (Revised Edition), which he authored. These two books are the very first books written by a Filipino donated in the library. These books were also two of the very rare English written books in the library. In an earlier visit last March 2024, Dr. Deviana donated a book, New Ink on the Parchment: A Guide for Writing Philippine History.

The UST team headed to the Assumption University (AU) of Thailand in Bang Na on July 26, 2024, where they were warmly met by the Director for Internationalization Affairs, Mr. Glen Chatelier. Mr. Chatelier held a short meeting with officials of the University who presented their programs. The presentations included the Architecture program by Satanan Chanowanna, PhD; the Master in Business Administration (MBA) by Bhumipat Gilitwala, PhD; the Economics Program by Asst. Prof. Dr. Dhanoos Sutthiphisal, the Dean of Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics and Asst. Prof. Uree Cheasakul, PhD, the Deputy Vice President for Academic Affairs. The presentations highlighted the areas where collaborations between the two academic institutions can take place.

Dean Vasco identified the transnational programs in Architecture/Built Environment which partners with the University of Reading, United Kingdom and the MS in Chemical Engineering/ Master in Professional Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) with the Curtin University of Australia as UST’s partner. These are existing programs with graduates who are teaching now in the Graduate School.

Dean Vasco also presented the programs offered by the UST Graduate School, highlighting the programs in Psychology and Business, which have the bigger number of students for the past years. Since the interest of many remains to be Psychology and this is the banner program of the UST Graduate School, students may also take their practicum or on-the-job training in the Assumption University, further providing them with experiences in another context. Since the medium of instruction in the Assumption University is English, faculty and students of UST will not have difficulty in engaging with teachers and students of AU.

Prof. Salvatore Moccia, the Head of Education and Skills of EIT Digital, Europe was also there to present some opportunities in career advancement for digital-related graduate programs. These programs can be connected with many universities since they offer digital programs and these programs can be accessed anywhere at any time. Opportunities for professional development and employment were also discussed.

After the meeting, the UST team was able to meet Rector Magnificus Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, f.s.g., Ph.D., the Rector of the University. The Rector recalled the times that he visited the UST campus and had enjoyed playing soccer in the field during his younger days. The strong partnership between the two universities may be attributed to the Catholic faith that both universities continue to practice as evident in the curricula and the university activities.

After meeting the Rector, the UST Team was led to the Monfort del Rosario School of Architecture and Design where exhibits of student outputs were on display, providing insights on how students are provided with a curriculum that provides them with opportunities for honing their crafts. Exhibits of painting and works of art were displayed in the lobby of the building. The same practice is observed in the UST Graduate School where students hold exhibits as part of their terminal requirements. On the other side was another building for the communication arts, the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts where impressive auditoriums, studios and broadcast equipment were housed. These two buildings are considered as two of the most prominent of the structures, displaying the fusion of art and technology.

The visit ended with the invitation of Dr. Kittikorn for the conferences that the Assumption University is hosting on November 2024 and March 2025.

The visits provided more opportunities for the UST Graduate School and the Thai partner universities to conduct more faculty/student exchanges.

The post UST Graduate School forges stronger partnership with Thai universities appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.

The two-day lectures were attended by about 200 students pursuing Masters of Construction with Specializations in Construction Project Management, Quantity Surveying, and Construction Law and those taking the Bachelor of Construction program from the School of Built Environment at the Massey University Auckland Campus. The hybrid event covered the principles of plain language, how plain language has progressed over the years in varied domains and the prospects of plain language in the construction industry.

Lintao also featured some of her research on plain language and initiatives in promoting the use of plain language in the Philippines. She is the Country Representative of Clarity (an international organization that advocates for the use of plain language in contracts and other documents) to the Philippines. She is also the Philippine Language and Country Lead  of the International Plain Language Federation Standard Localization and Implementation Committee.

Plain language is writing designed to make written outputs comprehensible and easily understood by its intended audience.

The post Lintao of AB, GS delivers lectures on plain language in New Zealand appeared first on University of Santo Tomas.